Most local government agencies have large collections of GIS data in various formats including shapefiles, geodatabases, grids, tins, CAD, and others. Sharing this data with colleagues and the public is often a challenge. Before distributing data you have to answer many questions. Does my end user have the appropriate software to view the data? Do they know how to use the software? Do they understand how to add the data into the viewer? Should I create a web mapping application for end users? Converting your existing GIS data to a Google Earth KML format offers many advantages in terms of data distribution to end users and it also offers many new ways of presenting information. This course, geared specifically for local government GIS specialists, will teach you techniques for converting your datasets, creating compelling and interactive Google Earth displays, and sharing the data with your end users.

Notes:

Register your entire GIS group for $199.00 (up to 8 people)

This course makes extensive use of Arc2Earth. You will be provided with an evaluation copy of Arc2Earth to use during the course

Exercises and data will focus on typical local government datasets

Modules

Benefits of Converting ArcGIS Data to Google Earth Format

What Google Earth Version Should I Use?

KML: The Language of Google Earth

Tools for Converting ArcGIS Data to Google Earth

The Easy Stuff: Convering Points, Lines, Polygons, and Graphics

The Not So Easy Stuff: Displaying Spatial Analyst Grids, Aerial Imagery, and Other Image Files

The Hard Stuff: Techniques for Displaying Large Datasets

The Fun Stuff: 3D Data Displays, Geography with a Time Element, Info Balloons with HTML, Images, and Video, Guided Tours